Pakistan
Deadline for journalists to appear in FIA inquiry
Attorney General assured that FIA notices against journalists will be taken up after the elections.
Islamabad: The hearing of the Spontaneous Notice regarding the harassment of journalists has started in Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan.
According to the details, a three-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa is conducting the hearing in which Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarat Hilali are included.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan came to the rostrum. CJP asked if any application has been filed today? President Press Association said the application could not be filed as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) did not provide the list.
Qazi Faez stated that the practice and procedure law is crystal clear, the problem is that no one is ready to do his job that's why the court did not issue any order for that reason.
During the hearing, reference was also made to the decision of the Chief Justice in the Prohibited Bore License Case.
CJP remarked that it was expected that a written request would come, the court cannot issue any order until the matter goes to the Judges Committee.
Earlier, action was taken by taking an application in the court, now the system has been made according to the law, without any written material, you can apply to the Attorney General, you cannot give an order, Qazi Faez added.
President Press Association Supreme Court requested to give 10 minutes time to file a miscellaneous application.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan commented that there should be a constitutional petition not a miscellaneous one, which should go to the committee.
Journalist Matiullah said that an attempt is being made to control the media before the upcoming general elections ahead on February 8.
Chief Justice of Pakistan further said that write down what you have to say, you will not listen to verbal talk. Matiullah responded that what made the institutions in a hurry? Call us after the election.
Supreme Court has given time till after the elections to the journalists to appear before the FIA inquiry. Attorney General assured that FIA notices against journalists will be taken up after the elections.